Designer jewellery is an important part of a woman's wardrobe

Designer jewellery is an important part of a woman's wardrobe. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets

and more are essential complements to a variety of looks. But these pieces can become dirty

and dulled with time. Follow a few simple procedures to keep your jewellery in good shape and

looking great.

Costume jewellery can be cleaned with any soap and water solution. Use a toothbrush to scrub

and get in the corners. You can also use a wooden toothpick to pry out the difficult bits of dirt.

Just be careful around the settings as they can come

loose. Also be sure to dry them thoroughly with a hair

dryer on low setting. Water residue can loosen the glue

that holds crystals and rhinestones in place.

More expensive designer jewellery should be cleaned

with a little more care. Diamonds can be polished very

effectively with a solution of warm water and ammonia.

Dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently clean the

stone to bring back its shine. Clean gold jewellery with

soap and water only. Other chemicals can discolour the

metal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub it very gently. Silver tarnishes on contact with

air and requires a specific material to clean it.

Use a silver dip for jewellery with silver only and

a polish for silver with stones in it. Never

immerse any stones or crystals in a silver dip;

instead, clean around them very carefully with

the polish and a soft cloth. Pearl and opal

designer jewellery is beautiful and also very

delicate. Try a very gentle soap, such as one

made for babies, in a warm water solution to

clean opals. For pearls, any soap and water

solution should work, but never use an abrasive

material to clean them. They scratch very easily.

When in doubt, take your designer jewellery to a

professional jeweller for cleaning. If you are at all

uncertain about the material or appropriate cleaning

technique, it is best to trust the task to the

professionals. They have sonicators, which use sound

waves and water, to gently remove dirt and grease

from the most intricate pieces. They will also be able to

tighten up any loose stone that you may not realize you

are in danger of losing.

Everyday wear and tear can dirty and dull your

beautiful jewels. The oil from your skin can build up

over time and cloud gemstones. Bring back their shine with simple, yet safe and effective,

cleaning methods.